The Brave Bunch Summer Treatment Program, the only selective mutism program in the Southeast region of the United States, is a weeklong intensive group program for children ages 4-10 who have been diagnosed with selective mutism or who have difficulty speaking in social situations at school, in public, with unfamiliar people or in other contexts.
Selective mutism is an anxiety disorder in which a child who is talkative at home is unable to speak in other social settings, such as school.
Program Dates: July 21-July 25, 2025, with individual sessions occurring the week prior
The camp simulates a classroom environment and provides guided opportunities for children to:
- Interact with new children and adults
- Participate in classroom-like activities such as morning meetings, circle time, show and tell, group creative projects
- Engage in field trips such as to the mall or the park
- Play socializing games that promote verbal participation (“brave talking”) and spontaneous speaking
Read about us in The New York Times for more information.
Enrollment
Enrollment is limited and participants are selected through an evaluation conducted by staff. Referrals can be made by school personnel, mental health professionals, physicians or parents.
Costs associated with the camp are based on a sliding scale. During the application and screening process, each parent has an opportunity to meet with a representative who can answer questions concerning financial aspects of the camp.
In addition to the summer camp session, individual services are offered throughout the year. For more information, contact the MINT Anxiety Program at mint@fiu.edu or 305-348-7836.
Volunteer for Brave Bunch
The MINT Selective Mutism (MINT SM) Program is recruiting individuals interested in serving as counselors for the 2025 Brave Bunch intensive group behavioral treatment program! This is a short-term role that will include intensive training prior to delivering treatment directly to children and families in a simulated school and summer camp setting. Counselors are paired with campers individually to support them in reaching specific goals.
- Brave Bunch 2025 is Monday, 7/21 through Friday, 7/25. Counselors are expected to be present from 8am through 5pm each day of the program.
- Counselors also need to provide flexible availability Monday, 7/14 through Sunday, 7/20, in order to accommodate “lead-in” sessions with families prior to participation in Brave Bunch.
- Required team meeting – Friday, July 18th 5-7pm
- Attendance at counselor trainings is required on the following dates:
- Monday, 6/16 through Wednesday, 6/18 from 9am-1pm each day
- Saturday, 6/21 from 8:30am-3:30pm
If interested, please click here to complete the application. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Aileen Herrera (aherrera@fiu.edu).